Cardiology Question 18 Instructor

What is the Killip classification for acute myocardial infarction and the associated in-hospital mortality?

Class

Physical Findings

Mortality

I

No heart failure

6%

II

Mild heart failure: rales at bases, S3 gallop, or venous hypertension

17%

III

Heart failure: Frank pulmonary edema

38%

IV

Cardiogenic shock

81%

Based on a series of New York patients with acute myocardial infarction reported in one of the first CCU in North America. Over the years the mortality of patients have improved but the mortality of class IV patients remains high. This classification remains useful today as it is simple and based primarily on physical examination and still provides useful information for triaging patients.